Pence in Australia

The United States and Australia are partners in security, bound together by a historic alliance, said Vice President Mike Pence on his recent visit there.

The United States and Australia are partners in security, bound together by a historic alliance, said Vice President Mike Pence on his recent visit there.

The military relationship between the two nations stretches back for generations. Even now Americans and Australians serve together, including in Afghanistan and in the fight against ISIS. “And around the world, we are deepening our defense collaboration,” said Vice President Pence.

In recent years, the United States and Australia have stepped up intelligence sharing, increased emphasis on shared cyber capabilities, and have conducted and will continue to conduct joint military exercises to ensure interoperability and readiness.

Vice President Pence affirmed that the United States and Australia are committed to upholding a rules-based system that is the foundation of peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific.

In the South China Sea and throughout the region, both nations will defend the fundamental freedoms of navigation and overflight, ensure the unimpeded flow of lawful commerce, and promote dialogue to address issues of regional and global concern.

And the United States and Australia will continue to stand united in confronting the most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security in the Asia Pacific, the regime in North Korea.

While all options are on the table, said Mr. Pence, “the United States will continue to work closely with Australia, our other allies in the region, and with China to bring economic and diplomatic pressure to bear on the regime in Pyongyang until they abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”

The U.S. has great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. But as President Trump made clear, if China is unable to deal with North Korea, the United States and its allies will.

“We go forward with faith in our shared values,” said Vice President Pence, “and faith that the best days for America and for Australia are yet to come.”

Reflecting the Views of the U.S. Government as Broadcast on The Voice of America